Gov. vetoes I-75 crossover funding

October 05, 2005|By Mary Jergenson, Staff Writer

LANSING - Although funds for two crossovers could have been budgeted for 2006, Otsego County drivers eager to see relief from traffic congestion along M-32 at I-75 will have to wait at least one more year for project funding to be made available by the state.

Gov. Jennifer Granholm vetoed funding for the I-75 Crossing Project "because project selection decisions should be made by transportation professionals at MDOT (Michigan Dept. of Transportation)," according to a press release her office issued Friday.

Both the state House and Senate endorsed funding the crossover project, which includes an interchange at McCoy and Milbocker and a crossover from VanTyle to Wisconsin. The project made news this spring as local and state governmental groups joined together to convince U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow, D-Lansing, and Carl Levin, D-Detroit, of the urgent need for the project. With support on the federal level, the project squeaked onto the President's historic $286.5-billion 2005-2009 Transportation Budget approved in August. The bill included a $12-million federal grant for funding of the $17.5-million price-tag for the two Gaylord crossings.

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Stabenow stated Friday, "I am committed to the construction of the I-75 crossover in Gaylord and worked to include funds for this important project in the federal transportation bill. I will continue to work with the community so that Gaylord can secure the necessary matching funds to make the I-75 crossover a reality."

Local units of government will be responsible for completing environmental and engineering studies and securing funds for the 20-percent grant match. The $12-million grant was earmarked by Bush for the Gaylord I-75 project specifically, according to Levin. However, that amount is appropriated through the state transportation budget for specific projects through 2009. During this four-year period it is the governor's choice when to approve each specific project.

"There is no question this project is going to happen, it is now just a matter of when," state Sen. Tony Stamas, R-Midland, said Monday. Stamas hopes MDOT and the local task force will work together to get the details of the project ironed out in time for next year's budget session.

"I am disappointed but not surprised by the governor's actions," commented state Rep. Kevin Elsenheimer, R-Bellaire, Monday. "We have seen her veto several important northern Michigan projects in the past, including the Lincoln Bridge in Cheboygan and the snowmobile crossing at I-75. Now we can add the Gaylord/I-75 crossing project to that list."

Although it appears the governor may have closed the door on funding the crossover project this year, there still may be a glimmer of hope. According to the press release, the governor will recommend an "immediate supplemental" to restore the vetoed funds without earmarks.

"While there is a federal earmark to (the project), there is a state match to it," Greg Bird, director of communication with the state Budget Office, stated Tuesday. "The reason the governor vetoed the road projects was because earmarking these projects in a budget bill went outside the process of how we feel road projects should be decided upon. The Transportation Commission, they're the governing body that decides these projects. They receive their input from transportation experts in the state. That's what the governor has asked to be done, that the Legislature act and use supplemental appropriation to appropriate the money without specific earmarks so the normal process can take place."

Otsego County Economic Alliance Director and task force member Jeff Ratcliffe remained optimistic about the crossover stating, "We're still waiting to hear how MDOT is going to proceed in light of the governor's veto," he said.

"The fight is not over," Elsenheimer agreed. "We have only just begun. Local, state and federal agencies have bought into this project, now is the time to convince the governor that it has merit."